WARNINGS: POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND TRAUMA

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Wednesday, March 19th 1919

"RING, around the Rosie, a pocket full of posies," Adrienne tried singing to a crying Malachai. "A tissue, a tissue, they all fall down."

His cries grew louder, no one apart from Marcel was in the house. She promised Klaus she would be fine on her own, she promised her brother, sister-in-law, and everyone she would be fine, that everything would be okay and she could look after her child on her own.

But Klaus being Klaus he told Marcel to stay behind just in case.

The vampire listened in, frowning at the desperation in Adrienne's voice.

"Please stop crying," she said for what felt like the tenth time that morning. Now coming up to two months old, Malachai didn't respond to her that much and if he did it was rare. "I've fed you already my boy, please."

His eyes were red from the tears only making her feel worse. Reading the Grimme tales didn't work, nor did burping or feeding him.

She hated how she looked and felt. Almost two months since his birth and she still had to force herself to eat, to sleep enough so she was alert around him. Fat slowly crept off her stomach and face and yet she felt like a manatee. Bleeding for over a month meant her sheets were changed regularly and her blood sugar was low. She fainted a few times worrying everyone, especially when she cried that her old clothes didn't fit because her hips were too wide and her stomach was nowhere flat enough.

Even during Malachai's blessing Ceremony, she kept leaving to cry in peace, Klaus found her each time, wanting to comfort her but she couldn't relax in his hold so she warned him to stay away. Her father would see her erratic state and yet stay quiet with vacant and distant eyes as if he wasn't around his only grandson.

What made matters worse was throughout all this time it was clear someone had stolen some of the magic from Nexus Vorti, but remained quiet. She allowed her witches to draw from it to help restore some businesses but she was certain that Papa Tunde captured the remaining and yet no one has heard a peep from him.

Adrienne constantly looked behind her shoulder in every room she entered, paranoid that someone was out there to slaughter or take Malachai, whether it be a ghost or a possessed man, it was always someone in her eyes.

"Shhh," she carefully held his head, rocking him back and forth, staring at him wishing he would stop his wails. She pulled his teddy bear from his crib, waving it above him hoping that it convinced him to stop but that was futile. So was the little angel carving; his keepsake, which meant the little devil carvings helped even less, "Please stop crying."

Malachai began coughing through his wails, making his mother even more nervous wreck.

Turning to the door, Adrienne pleaded, "Marcel I know you're out there, it seems pregnancy has increased my sense of smell."

It didn't take a second for him to come into the nursery, "Adrienne."

"Help me," she couldn't bear the sound of her son's cries.

Marcel was at her side in seconds, he smiled brightly at the baby, "Hey little man,"

It felt as if Adriennne's heart ripped in two when Malachai's cries ceased in his brother's arms. Envy was written across her face.

Noting her yearning stare, Marcel said, "It's the milk."

"The milk?" she asked, wiping her tears and running nose.

He gently rubbed Malachai's back, "Remember what Marie said? 'He can't sleep with it near him, it'll drive him mad' because he can smell it."

Adrienne's lip started quivering again, "I forgot."

"It's not your fault," he panicked, carefully placing Malachai in his crib, monitoring his little chest rest and fell with the teddy beside his head.

Adrienne didn't approach her son, she couldn't, instead kept her distance, and paced around the room.

"I'm terrible, I've been torturing him, my presence has been torturing him."

Snapping his head towards her, Marcel frowned, "Don't say that, you're wrong, you need help, Adrienne, you can't do this on your own."

"Is that why Klaus sent you here to spy on me?"

"He was right wasn't he?" Her startled face made him instantly regret his words, "I didn't mean it like that."

Adrienne's glossy eyes darted around the room, blinking madly worrying Marcel even more.

"No, you're right," she whispered.

He started to make his way towards her, "I worded it all wrong."

"He's suffering because of me," her trembling hand covered her sobs.

Marcel reassured, "He's not, see he's sleeping, peacefully, you forgot one small thing."

"It's a big thing, Marcel, I'm his mother I should know this."

"You're a great mother."

She rapidly shook her head, "I've brought him into a world where he will always be targeted. What kind of person does that? What kind of parent does that? I love Malachi with everything I have, but I caused this and I'm scared. I'm so scared Marcel."

Marcel didn't hesitate to embrace her trembling form.

She cried silently in his arms.

Marcel didn't know what to do, luckily a familiar scent had his head snapping up, locking eyes with Klaus' who heard everything.

And was determined not to let his wife suffer alone even if she still detested his existence.

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Tuesday, April 7th, 1919

Time passed ever so slowly around Adrienne. The hands on the clock pounded heavily in her ears, bellowing as it turned. Klaus couldn't get the image of his wailing wife in the arms of Marcel, claiming that she was a terrible mother out of his mind. He wanted to right by Malachai and Adrienne, despite the impending fear he felt about becoming Mikael.

So every day, he did skin-to-skin with Malachai, trying as much to connect with his son, hoping that he would understand him and not the demons chipping away at his shoulder.

"How's he been today?" Adriennne tentatively approached his bed after stepping into his room. She disliked being near Klaus and yet she put up with him because of their child.

Klaus was sat with his back against his headboard, chest bare with their sleeping son resting against him. It was a pleasant sight, but it quickly reminded her of what she couldn't do, comfort Malachai.

Adrienne couldn't bring herself to be around her son for too long in fear her mother would somehow possess her. Which left Malachai often yearning for her throughout the day. She would hear his cries and it would make the guilt she felt worsen. She didn't think she could confide in Klaus about that, worried he would use it against her.

Klaus smiled when she neared closer in her nightwear keeping her eyes solely on the baby. Progress, he noted. Every day she talked to him a little more, never about herself which irked him. The ire in her eyes was evident whenever she was around him. He wanted it gone, but he needed to be patient.

"Our precious creation assisted me with a piece of artwork today, the bright colours stimulated his malleable mind," Klaus said smiling at the images flashing through his mind as he stroked a hand over his son's back,  "He babbled when the paint dribbled against the canvas and tried to reach his hands out to touch it."

A laugh escaped him, proud of Malachai's accomplishments.

"And did he?"

Adrienne begrudgingly settled on the bed getting as close to him as her comfort allowed her to and started threading her fingers through her son's curls that grew more and more each day.

Klaus nodded, "I let him, the paint is –"

"– Organic, I know, I saw you use strawberries and other fruits for the colours. It's good," she mumbled.

"Very," he agreed, turning back to her,  "How was your day?"

Adrienne said, "I helped Valerie at the Euphoria and a few friends came by."

"Oh," he hoped to get more out of her.

"Emerson and Easton were there, they offered to help out if we needed it," she added.

"Right," he mustered out.

How could he accept help from anyone whom he didn't trust. Especially not from the same wolf who harmed Marcel. Spells protected the Abattoir, yet he didn't believe it was enough. People knew of his son's existence, which meant he could barely sleep at night, usually taking guard outside his nursery or just watching him from the threshold of his door.

"Look," Adrienne's heart fluttered at how Malachai began to scowl in his sleep. A small smile grew on Klaus' face, mirroring hers, "just like you."

"I don't scowl in my sleep," he said furrowing his brows.

Adrienne hummed, "You do," not that I would know anymore.

Klaus's frown turned to a pout that nearly had her laughing, but she stopped herself.

No more words were exchanged, Adrienne's eyes grew heavier and before she could find the energy to move they fluttered shut. She unconsciously relaxed on the bed, still keeping a hand on her son's head.

This all had Klaus mentally jumping up and down.

He couldn't stop smiling. His favourite people were in one room.

His head snapped towards his son, who whined and moved slightly before settling once more.

Rising from the bed, he cradled Malachai and gently placed a blanket over his wife, suppressing the urge to kiss her head.

"Your mother is sleeping," he whispered to his son, walking towards the door, "Try not to wake from your slumber, she needs some rest my Frenrir."

Just as the door pushed open, he came to a halt, a smile dropping at the sight of his younger brother who was about to walk past.

Kol tensed when his eyes trailed over his brother's shoulders and into the room, where Adrienne lay peacefully. He turned back to Klaus, eying his attire, or lack of it.

Klaus could see the assumptions floating in his mind and wickedly grinned.

"You seemed surprised Nikolai," Klaus spoke lowly to not wake his son, "She's my wife, mother of my child." Kol's nostrils flared at his taunts, "I gave her a quick seeing to before she blacked out."

Kol's rage was evident, but somehow he didn't lash out in Malachai's presence.

"You might believe she's forgiven you brother, but she will never forget the insults that spilt from your tongue. Your sins burn bright and bloody. I would hope your son never sees them."

And in a flash, Kol vanished, just like Klaus' smile.

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Monday, April 21st, 1919

Adrienne was trying to relax in her room, her breasts were sore because Malachai had been fed four times today and it was only one in the afternoon. She was gradually learning to rely on Klaus -- only slightly -- allowing him to get Malachai to sleep alot more as their son could smell the taunting milk.

Although she was not comfortable around her husband, she trusted him with Malachai. Somehow she did. But she needed boundaries. Sleeping in his bed a few weeks ago was a sign to keep her distance.

Her grimoire called out to her, desiring to be opened and studied.

Since not practising magic or even knowingly using it since Malachai's birth and months before that, she didn't know what to do. Ever since she was a child she was excited to perform, whether it was her natural talent or using her voice to captivate the audience and yet she hasn't done either and shockingly she was okay.

She often, alongside her witches pondered when Malachai would show signs of using magic. It was known to only her and Klaus that Malachai's blood could heal due to an unfortunate experience they shared.

Time would only tell what Malachai could do.

Suddenly loud cries had her sprinting out of her room and into the nursery, astounded when she saw her fear-stricken husband, consoling their son.

She was at his side in seconds, "What happened?"

Klaus' uncharacteristic wide-eyed look concerned her.

"Klaus..."

Marcel and Elijah stood outside, unable to escape the cries of the tribrid.

"I didn't mean it." Tears formed in Klaus' eyes as he attempted to shush his son, "I turned with him in my arms and his head... his head..." he gulped, not able to finish his sentence and Adrienne gently took their son from his arms.

She softly bounced him, holding his head, checking over it.

"Adrienne, I didn't mean it."

"He's okay, he's strong," she soothed Malachai's head. There wasn't a trace of a bruise or a bump.

"I didn't mean to hurt him," Klaus' voice cracked.

Adrienne nodded at Marcel and Elijah as if to say that she could handle the situation, and they slowly went on their ways.

"I know," Adrienne mumbled and held back a reassuring smile, not wanting to give Klaus any ideas even in his frightened state.

"I didn't mean to hurt him, I would never," his voice was small, almost child-like. His glossy eyes darted between his wife and the wall their son's head hit.

"I know, it was an accident, he didn't get a scratch," she smiled at her son that tried sucking his fingers that he discovered again for the third time today, "Papa didn't mean it." She kissed his head, "All better, Mama kissed it better."

Klaus stared at his shaking hands, "I didn't mean —"

"Come here," she motioned him over but he was far too startled by what happened to move. "Klaus," he locked eyes with her, "you didn't mean it, he knows you didn't, now come here and hold him," seeing the apprehension on his face she stepped closer. "The quicker you hold him easier it'll be."

Malachai wasn't crying anymore he just glanced up at his mother playing with his fingers and cooing at her beauty.

Klaus listened to Malachai's heartbeat, it was beating out of its chest when the accident happened and now it was calm.

"He's fine, he's tough like his father, now hold him."

She didn't let him think for another second and placed Malachai back in his arms. She stood close so he wouldn't allow his fears to overcome him.

Klaus tried blinking back his tears,  "I'm a bad father and a bad husband, I never meant to hurt him I swear."

"I know, I know," she kept a hold of her son's hand.

"I never meant to hurt you," he whispered which she ignored.

"Malachai loves you, he can't sleep without one of your shirts in his crib, he knows you'll protect him."

"But –"

She faced him, "It was an ancient, accidents happen."

"You've never done something like this," he breathed out, gritting his teeth at the image of his son's head bumping against the wall. "You'd never." Adrienne's face twisted up, "what?"

Adrienne turned back to their son, watching small bubbles form in his mouth as he glanced between them.

"There are days where I think I'll hurt him, where I have to stop myself from walking away from his cries or I'll keep walking until my feet can't take it. I hate that I think that way, but I can't stop, even when I feed him, I'm scared that he'll look at me like an enemy, like someone who will attack him for who he is," Klaus was taken aback by her confession.

"Why haven't you told me this?" he quietly asked, feeling Malachai wrap a hand around his necklaces, more specifically the one Adrienne gifted him.

"You know why," she suppressed the urge to snap at him, not in front of Malachai she told herself. "I don't need my fears to be brought to light in one of your ambushes." Klaus averted his gaze out of guilt. "I know it's wrong to keep my worries to myself but they aren't safe around you."

"You need to tell me things that involve my son," he urged, earning a hurt look from his wife.

"Your son?" she whispered, senselessly dropping her hand from Malachai's.

"Our son," he quickly corrected but the damage was already done.

"Yes, your son, the one you spent nine months growing, seven hours giving birth to and a month bleeding for," she cast him a sour look, drawing a sigh from his lips. "Your son."

"That is not what I meant. I think we should consider being more forthcoming when raising him," he explained.

"And I think you know why it's especially hard for me to do."

"And I acknowledge the hand I played in that...spectacle."

"Then acknowledge how hard it was for me to even tell you my fears now," she turned back to Malachai who was now whining in his father's arms so she grabbed his teddy bear and placed it in his grip. "Don't push me nor should you rush me."

Klaus swallowed his pride and nodded.

"I'm trying very hard not to be my mother," she admitted, shocking him again, "Just like I believe you're trying not to be either of your parents. We'll be okay," she told herself every day on repeat, "We'll be okay."

And with that, she left the two Mikaelsons to reconnect.

An hour went by, and Klaus stayed in the nursery, occasionally speaking to Marcel and Elijah who wanted to check-in. He reassured them it was nothing but a moment of weakness. Marcel was reluctant to leave them but Klaus acted like the incident never happened at all.

He talked to Malachai who babbled in response, acting like he could understand his father before napping for hours on end and coming to for minutes at hand.

He brought some of his art supplies into the nursery, trying to figure out the right shade to use for his son's complexion. He experimented, using dozens of sheets and colour pallets, before restarting again.

Whenever Malachai rose from his slumber he craved his mother, which he made obvious by either sucking at his fingers, murmuring little sounds or turning his head and opening his mouth.

Klaus saw how Adrienne would wince when she breastfed, luckily she allowed him to stay in the room whenever she did, too tired to cast him out. He tried not to marvel at how she possessed the tools to keep Malachai chubby and fed.

When she left, murmuring I love you and kissing their son's head, Klaus would yearn to have her in his arms again.

Dropping his paint brush he laughed picking up Malachai, who immediately grabbed at his necklaces, taking in their appearance once again.

Klaus could see his dimple a little more whenever his son tried to maintain a smile. His hair colour was becoming more defined as were the colours of his eyes. Changes happened every day that Rebekah would squeal about whenever she dropped by to take care of him.

Klaus murmured Nordic phrases into his talks with his son; terms of endearment after he heard Adrienne trying to do the same in Haitian Creole.

"Now son," Malachai smiled at his gentle tone, sending little bursts around his heart, "as I said before you so rudely fell asleep," Klaus grinned at the sound of his babbling. "Yes you fell asleep, so allow me to catch you up to speed on my plan to win back your beautiful mother," Malachai seemed more focused now. "We're on the outs you see, my fault of course, but with determination, anything can happen."

Malachai tried putting his father's necklaces into his mouth.

"No, no, no," Klaus winced at the frown on his son's face and replaced the necklaces with one of his fingers, letting him suck at them, "You can't tell me your hungry again my hjarta?" Klaus wasn't surprised -- he was a tribrid, who had the blood of a Nordic wolf who as a child consumed as much as he could get. "I'll require your assistance in winning her hand once again," Malachai attempted to bite down on his finger despite having not one tooth. "It seems you want my fingers off."

He smiled at the sounds Malachai made. He tried getting a chuckle out of him since that hadn't happened yet.

"You must get your stubbornness from your mother," he watched as his son didn't relent, "... fine, I admit I'm a stubborn man too. We're stubborn people who made such a dashing young man, therefore this plan will take a while."

Klaus's heart soared when his son's eyes locked onto his, widening as if he could understand the emotions flooding through them.

So vigilant, Rebekah said whenever she watched over him.

"You're my greatest creation," Klaus' voice lowered, not taking his eyes away from him, "I swear I won't let a soul touch a hair on your head, draw blood from your body or break your spirit, for you are the grandson of the original witch,  a powerful Viking and have the blood of one of the formidable family of witches. You are everything to me, Malachai as you are a Mikaleson through and through. I love you, always and forever."

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Sunday, April 27th, 1919

Adrienne didn't expect to see Kol poke his head around the corner of the nursery. It unnerved her, especially because she just finally opened one of her first grimoires to ease herself back into witchcraft, nothing too heavy or that would flare her powers. She noticed the expression of hypervigilance flooding his face and the tenseness of his demeanour. Despite seeing him many times throughout the house, they never spoke and as far as she knew, he never once held his nephew.

Malachai was now on his stomach lifting his head on in his crib, he'd been doing that for most of the week which shocked everyone. He tended to do it whenever he sensed a family member.

Adrienne quickly approached him and picked him up.

Her son was calm in her arms, settling his head against her. Progress, she hoped, he doesn't hate me.

"What do you want Kol?"

How she said his name, irked him. No warmth or familiarity, just sternness, even in the presence of his nephew.

He took a while to respond, which came as a surprise because he never was one short for words. His eyes lingered over Adrienne, taking in all that's changed in her appearance. Still a pretty one, slim in size, yet curvier in other places, with thicker hair and darker eyes.

"Can't an uncle see his nephew?" his jovial tone irritated her.

"If that uncle expressed that he ever wanted to," she retorted.

"You know that I wouldn't be able to get close to him without someone stopping me."

"I wonder why."

"I wouldn't hurt him."

She snorted, "Only his mother."

They stared at each other for a while, her gaze far more narrowed than his, nevertheless, he didn't look away.

"Can I hold him?" he was hurt by the caution flooding her eyes, but he understood, "I brought him a picture book to read," he pulled it out and placed it near the chest of drawers. There was a lightness to the room, which he'd never experienced because he hadn't stepped into it before, but he liked it. "A friend told me children respond well to them."

She clicked her tongue, "That's funny."

Kol's face scrunched up, "What is?"

"That you have a friend," a wicked smile formed on her lips reminding him of his brother's.

He stepped closer, "I had you didn't I?"

"You never had me, we were friends," she corrected harshly, earning a stiff nod.

He swallowed the knot in his throat, "Apologies."

"You can hold him," she nearly flinched when he appeared next to her, his cologne was strong, almost repulsive, but she allowed him to take her son.

He looked almost mischievous in his uncle's grip, even though he never knew him. He reached out a grabbed whatever he could touch, Kol's busy brows, and skinny ties, keeping his eyes on his brown pools that showcased tenderness Adrienne knew he had.

Kol couldn't get over how much he looked like Adrienne but had the stare of his brother, which was unsettling.

"He looks like you," Kol said, finally passing Malachai back to Adrienne.

"And so I'm told," she smiled when Malachai reached to grab her cheek with chubby hands.

"Motherhood looks good on you," Kol decided to add, drawing a quick nod from her before she placed her son back in his crib on his stomach.

"Is there anything else you need?" she asked, growing annoyed by his presence which he could tell.

His hands disappeared into his suit pockets, "An answer."

"To what?" she asked, not taking her eyes off her son, wondering if he could feel her discomfort if anyone else could hear this conversation because she knew Klaus and Elijah were home.

"A question."

She sighed, "Kol."

With hopeful eyes, he asked, "Could you ever forgive me?"

Adrienne didn't even look up at him, "How could I forgive someone who used me?"

His face fell, "You can forgive Niklaus —"

She was quick to cut him off, "You honestly think I forgave him?"

"You slept with him."

That had her head snapping up and eyes flashing with confusion, before realisation hit them.

Her grip tightened on the railing of the crib, "I'm so tired of men and their assumptions. He is the father of my child and what I think you saw was him merely connecting with our son," she bopped her head in Malachai's direction, "Not sleeping with me."

Kol shook his head, "But he said –"

"He says a lot of things, don't tell me you of all people believe everything at face value," she snarled, coming away from the crib, feeling her rage grow at the thought of another lie tarnishing her name.

His coiling fist weakened, "Oh..."

Her chest rose and fell, "Oh? Is that all? Good, leave."

"What about the spell?" the words flew out of his mouth before he had a chance to think.

"Is that all you care about?" Adrienne laughed in disbelief, tears threatened to spill. Why do you keep crying? It's weak!

"No of course not."

She found the nearest pen and parchment and furiously wrote down the spell she originally discarded and flung it at him. 

"Here, find another witch to do it," she hissed, voice rising knowing full well a Lumière was needed for the spell.

"I don't want this," he scrunched it up.

"Sure you do, that's all you ever wanted from me, that and to get between my legs," she snapped, forgetting where she was.

Kol's emotions were getting the best of him, "Has he told you about the witches; my witches he locked away in the Frauline mansion, there to remain trapped until they succumb to starvation. It's been months, perhaps they already have."

She froze, "What?"

"Oh, so he hasn't told you," his bitter laugh angered her, even though she felt bad for Astrid and Astrid only.

"What's the purpose of telling me? Upset that no witch in town would help you get what you want? Need I remind you that your squeeze spread vicious lies about me, no doubt you fed them to her."

He shook his head, "I didn't."

"Don't lie, you're not very good at it," she looked him up and down.

"Oh, and your husband is?" his voice rose, matching hers, not realising the effect it would have on an almost three-month-old.

"If you want to talk to Klaus, go ahead, no one stopping you," The quicker he left the room the sooner she would be content again.

"So because he's the father of your son you can just forgive what he did to you?!"

"What you did to me!" She finally broke, and her voice tore through the room. "You are just as much to blame as Klaus. I have to put up with him because I was forced into a marriage where my husband doesn't trust let alone respect me," she ranted, "I had his child because I wasn't letting Klaus' sins dictate what I can and can't do!"

Malachai's cries made her suck in a deep breath, realising what she'd done, what they'd done — lose control in front of him.

Elijah and Klaus were the first on the scene, the latter's eyes flash golden at the sight of Kol who he knew provoked Adrienne to such lengths and his son to tears.

"Kol it's best that you leave," Elijah spoke first, disappointment was evident on his face.

Just when Kol went to speak Klaus interrupted, "Yes, do leave my wife and child alone, shouldn't be so hard, neither can stand your presence."

"You should too," Adrienne said with deflating anger.

Elijah's nodded at the hybrid, wanting to respect her wishes as well, he would escort both of his brother's out if it was necessary. 

Klaus was taken aback by her request, "Adrienne."

"I am sick of men lying about me," she held up her hand, preventing him from coming closer. "Really, I slept with you, are you out of your mind?"

After sending a hateful look at his brother, Klaus turned to him, "Love."

"Get out, both of you."

Adrienne turned back to the crib, softly apologising to her son that she brought him to tears, I'm just like my mother. She pressed kisses to his cheeks and shut her eyes, to block out the arguments happening outside.

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Monday, April 28th, 1919

"Your dog – correction husband is convinced that Tunde is a charlatan," Valerie mocked the hybrid by using a British accent, amusing Adrienne, "but he's growing more powerful by the second, Clarence's death was only for show."

Adrienne nodded, slightly saddened when she remembered hearing the news about her ex-counsel member's murder. He was replaced as mayor soon after but the city felt the loss.

Malachai whined in her arms, almost feeling the shift in mood, she gently rubbed his back and murmured I'm okay handsome, everything's okay.

Valerie smiled at her maternal instincts.

"The blade, he uses consumes the power of each sacrifice right?" Adrienne questioned, receiving a nod. "And his sigil –" she noticed Malachai sucking on his fingers, quickly unbutton her blouse and watched him latch on with ease. "The sacrificial one is apparently on his twin sons."

"It is," Valerie nodded, "I've heard that Elijah and Klaus are hosting an intimate get-together, welcoming the man."

"A ploy, knowing the pair of them."

"You gonna tell me how you plan on taking down Tunde? It's only a matter of time before he tries to attack us."

"I know," Adrienne pulled her son away and patted his back, extracting a few burps from him. "Be patient Val, I know how he gets his power, I just need to think."

"Are you sure you're ready to use your magic again, we can do it without you if you're not."

"If I don't it'll just grow more erratic, I'll be fine," I hope.

Valerie nodded and came closer to kiss her nephew goodbye.

"Thank Hecate, you take after your brave mother," she muttered against his forehead.

Malachai just cooed up at her making the witches giggle.

After a quick embrace with her dear friend, Valerie exited the nursery and started making her way out of the Abattoir.

As she descended the stairs, her mood deflated by the annoying presence nearing closer.

"Great, just when my day was going well," Valerie rolled her eyes and put her gloves back on.

"Hello, Darling," Kol wore a wide grin despite himself and swallowed the rest of his drink.

She jabbed a finger in his direction, "Don't. Don't call me that."

"I've missed you too Valerie."

Stepping off the final step she went to move passed him, but something within pulled her back.

"You wanna know something Kol," he sighed as she started, "I always knew something was off about you. Your aura was mangled, I didn't have visions but I just felt something wasn't right."

"You wish to tell me about your undeveloped powers? How sad Valerie and here I thought you had pride," Kol taunted.

She ignored him, "And I'm well aware of what's going on between you and Frankie," his eyes darken and threaten to flicker red. "He's a good man, a good friend, don't use him, you've ruined someone I care about –"

"Before you finish that sentence may I remind you that I wasn't alone in the reckoning of your Queen," he gritted out, clenching the glass in his hand.

"But you and your partner in crime still believe you have an advantage against each other when it comes to Adrienne and It's disgusting," she seethed, narrowing her eyes. "Her mental state is barely recovering, so leave her alone. Your feelings for her are still potent, so I know you won't try to harm her," physically of course.

He scoffed at her presumptions, "And how do you know that?"

"Because you haven't denied it," she smugly pointed out, rendering him mute. Turning on her heel she called out to him one last time, "Oh and Kol, you may think a couple of wolf bites and being exposed to Klaus and Adreinne's impending romance is your punishment, but it's not, not even close."

─────── •✦• ───────

Tuesday, April 29th, 1919

"Little Aesir," Elijah pulled his nephew out of the crib and placed him on the soft rug surrounded by various toys, before joining him. "I believe you have not made my acquaintance today," he gently rubbed his belly, making him gurgle up at him, "We have to remedy that don't we?"

Elijah influenced his nephew's middle name: Aesir, of the Gods. His Nordic roots never escaped him and with both Klaus and Adrienne's say so, they allowed it. Malachai Aesir Mikaelson was powerful, to say the least.

He watched as his nephew's little legs bent upwards and his feet met his mouth.

"Careful, if your teeth grow as strong and sharp as we all know, we can't have you biting your toes off can we?"

He was met with a toothless smile, which made him chuckle.

Elijah effortlessly unbuttoned his blazer, quickly flashed over to the oak rocking chair and set it on the back. Returning to his placement he starts showing off all the toys around his nephew.

Building blocks and stuffed animals from other relatives, mainly Rebekah.

He usually read to the now three-month-old Mikaelson, helping to try and develop some skills, it reminded him of how he and Adrienne used to spend their time. Tomorrow he would see if music would entertain the little one.

Picking up his nephew again he bounced him in his arms, and walked around the room, showing off the captivating artwork from his brother.

The wolves running across the walls always got his nephew's attention, as did the tie wrapped around his neck.

Elijah chuckled when it was pulled into Malachai's mouth, the baby slobbered all of it, not like it mattered to the original.

"Careful brother, I'd rather my son didn't choke on one of your hundred-dollar ties," Klaus' voice came from behind him, gaining Malachai's attention.

Turning around Elijah hummed, "Two hundred and fifty, but I'll refrain from commenting on your lack of taste brother, though, suggesting I would allow your harm to come to my nephew is nothing flat of an insult."

"It's a precaution," Klaus' irritation deflated when his son made grabbing motions to him.

Elijah carefully set him in Klaus' arms.

Klaus smiled, lifting him in the air, something Adrienne warned him not to do, but it always managed to extract small chuckles from his son, swelling his heart.

Elijah fixed his cufflinks and eyed his brother, "I'm sure you'll have more if I suggested reading to Malachai, after all the page might stunt his development or cut his precious skin."

"Do not jest about my son's wellbeing," Klaus' smile never faded, though his eyes were piercing.

"Confess your true intentions. You do not want me to connect with my nephew," Elijah trod carefully, wary of his nephew's skills to pick up emotions flying through the room. "Similar to how my connection with Marcellus was a threat to your parenting."

Klaus craned his neck to the side, away from his son and pondered his next words, as his brother kept going.

"You never allowed me to rectify our relationship, now it is a pile of ruin for I must stand and watch from afar as no longer salvageable. You will not deny me the chance of getting to know my youngest nephew," a smile graced his face when he looked at a babbling Malachai, "as how Marcellus and I are is partially my fault also and one of my deepest regrets."

Klaus softly scoffed, "You're right brother, it is your fault."

Elijah deeply sighed, "And your influence over my decision does not play a part," he mocked, "Something you truly believe, similar to how you believe speaking ill of your wife will not cause more harm to your wreckage of a relationship."

Malachi felt the shift in his father and pulled on his necklaces, settling the burning embers within.

Klaus mustered up a smile, "Are there any more of my wrongdoings you'd want to address in your nephew's presence, Elijah?"

"No," Elijah shook his head, "as Malachai and I are scheduled to read another delightful book," he pulled out a pocket watch from his waistcoat. "And you wouldn't want him to be behind would you brother?"

Klaus said nothing, muttering a small goodbye to his happy son and allowing Elijah to take him from his arms.

Klaus immediately flashed out of the room.

Elijah's time with his nephew was then interrupted by his sister shortly after.

"Ah, well if it isn't my precious nephew," she suppressed a squeal at his chubby face.

Elijah sighed when she pulled Malachai away and pressed small kisses to his cheeks.

"Oh don't give me that look 'Lijah, I haven't seen him in two hours."

"Are you not volunteering at St James today? Surely your friend Genevive seeks your presence?"

Rebekah rolled her eyes picked up the angel sculpture and held it in her nephew's face, who reached out to it.

"My nephew is far more important than the spread of influenza," she informed, softly laughing when Malachai began playing with her earrings. 

Elijah tutted, "I advise you not to let the locals hear your views on such a dire matter, you should never sit on the council sister."

"Ha ha," she blankly stared at him, "What have you been up to today? Did Clem stop by?" she teased, placing Malachai back on the rug for tummy time.

"She did not," Elijah paused and joined Malachai, "but she will."

"You're smitten and here I thought you had the hots for dear Adrienne," she rushed out, suppressing a smirk when her brother sighed.

He took his eyes off his nephew briefly, "I did not, despite popular belief, it was a mere attraction, it is Clementine –"

"Who you're falling for?" Her face lit up as she sat down near Malachai, who lifted his head,  "Did you hear that Mally?"

"Apart from the atrocious nickname you decided to bequeath our nephew, Clementine has been my partner for more than a year, You still assume that we have not confessed our feelings for one another sister?" he quirked up a brow.

Rebekah asked slowly, "So you've said those three little words?"

Elijah bashfully smiled, "She said them first, I lacked the courage to do so. She, of course, being such a beautiful and brave woman, didn't hesitate to tell me. Both are some of the many qualities that make me love her."

Rebekah squealed into her hands, amusing Elijah and confusing Malachai.

"Dear god, the time has come when my brother is no longer falling for the same woman as Niklaus," she teasingly clapped, earning an annoyed expression.

"Yes thank you Rebekah for that backhanded comment, I will herish it always," he sassed.

"You should, it's almost as rare a miracle baby," she pondered which words to use. "Speaking of babies, has Clem ever mentioned she wanted children?"

"A few times. Why?" he let his nephew play with his fingers.

"She's aware we're –"

"Vampires and unable to procreate yes she isn't dense," he deadpanned. 

Rebekah cast him a pointed look, "You wouldn't dare repeat that to her."

"Verbatim what I told her."

She flickered his ear, "You arse."

Elijah smiled, "I jest Rebekah. Clementine was open to adoption, however as of now she does not desire a child."

"Oh," was all Rebekah had to say.

"Yes Oh, any more questions you would like the answers to?" he watched as Malachai began to yawn.

"When's the wedding?" Rebekah teased.

"I think this family has had enough terrible unions to last the next century wouldn't you agree?" That drew a rather vacant look from his sister.

"Unfortunately I do brother, unfortunately, I do."

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a/n:

what i was attempting to do in this chapter was bridge the gap between some of the family relationships as well as shine a light on a lot of their issues. when it comes to adrienne and klaus, they stake one step forward and three steps back, similar to her and kol. elijah still holds resentment towards klaus for how things played out with marcel (his first nephew) therefore he isn't gonna let it slide with malachai.

i also wanted to highlight both adrienne and klaus' fears when it comes to raising their son, of course, they'll have good moments, however, their trauma and fear of becoming their parents (which klaus lowkey has to an extent) does tend to drive them away from malachai which is upsetting.

speaking of my favourite tribrid, what did you think of his middle name?

next chapter we'll deal with more problems, like papa tunde, adrienne's magic and the mystery surrounding the missing power of the nexus vorti.

just to reiterate, adrienne's attitude towards klaus hasn't changed. falling asleep in his bed isn't her fault, she's exhausted and of course, klaus used this to his advantage. she only accepts his help because they're raising a kid. slowly she might become comfortable around him but not consciously.